The man accused of deliberately ramming his car into the Saint Matthew’s House Boutique Thrift Store Thursday morning has a long history of meth addiction, mental health issues and erratic behavior, according to his ex-wife, who spoke to Gulf Coast News exclusively.
42-year-old Donald Peyton-Lee Russell Jr., of East Naples, drove his black 2024 Honda sedan into the building around 10:45 a.m. intentionally, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). The crash sent glass and debris flying through the showroom, injuring six people — three of them seriously. One remains on life support.
Russell, who goes by Peyton, was detained by a store employee before Collier County deputies took him into custody, according to his arrest report. Investigators say surveillance video shows the crash was not accidental, contradicting Russell’s initial claims.
“He had said, ‘Dani, I just accidentally ran through Saint Matt's thrift store, and the police are coming to get me,’” said Dani Hall Russell, his ex-wife and the mother of his two children.
Russell was transported to a hospital for medical treatment before being booked into the Collier County Jail. He is facing multiple charges, including three counts of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, three counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and criminal mischief involving damages over $1,000. Saint Matthew’s House estimates the crash caused more than $100,000 in damage. Deputies confirmed Russell was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
His ex-wife told Gulf Coast News said Russell Jr. worked for Saint Matthew’s House and its affiliated addiction recovery program, Justin’s Place, and stayed in the nearby Campbell Lodge homeless shelter at one time. She said he has struggled with substance use since he was a teenager.
“He's been to rehab 12 times since he was 15. Knowing him for the past 15 years, the only time that he's ever had psychotic breaks like this is when he's on meth and when he stays up for days on end," Russell said.
“When he gets this way, he cannot control his impulses. And that does make him a threat to the public and to himself. No one knows what he's thinking. I don't know how you could go that far into a building and not be purposeful," added Dani Russell.
The couple shares two children, ages 7 and 9, and have split custody with no monitored visitation.
“My kids were just in his custody two weeks ago. What if they were in the back seat? You know, just stuff like that,” Dani Russell said.
Russell remains in custody. One of the victims injured in the crash is still fighting for their life.
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